Garment hanger



Nov. 19, 1968 L.. A. LUNDEEN GARMENT HANGER Filed Sept. 9. 1966 WMF/V70? z aya/4. l afvoer/v Hrm/wins UnitedStates Patent O 3,411,680 GARMENT HANGER Lloyd A. Lundeen, 5232 York Ave. S.,

Minneapolis, Minn. 55410 Filed Sept. 9, 1966, Ser. No. 578,320 4 Claims. (Cl. 223-96) ABSTRACT F THE DISCLOSURE A hanger for folded garments, particularly trousers and skirts, which through its structure enables a user, with one hand, to grasp and support the hanger structure, and with the other hand smoothly slip a folded pair of trousers or skirt upon a horizontal garment-supporting bar. The hanger structure has an opening or throat at one side thereof to facilitate slipping the garment smoothly upon the supportin g bar and requires no manipulation or aflixation of a retaining device or end of the supporting bar. It is featured by a garment-clamping rod or bar which is urged against the support bar but smoothly engages the garment below the supporting edge with clamping effect to not only support the garment but to actually attach it below the upper supporting edge by a shear like action of the swingable garment-clamping bar against an appropriately inclined, longitudinal surface of the support bar.

This invention relates generally to such devices which comprise with or without coat hangers, an improved, simple and economical hanger for trousers or womens skirts where such garments in pressed, collapsed, natural positions can be more readily and more easily placed upon or removed from the hanger.

. At the present time, particularly in the instance of hangers for trousers, several successive operations are required to impale or otherwise secure the inside of the cuffs or the edges of the cuffs thereto. Many pants hangers include, with a horizontal supporting member and hook or other suspension element, two pairs of upstanding projections or bends spaced apart, and upon which the inside end portions of each cuff must be separately impaled. The said spaced upstanding pairs of projections often interfere with and are caught upon other adjacent garment hangers disposed on a horizontal supporting slide rod or the like when they are removed therfrom, or are installed with the garments thereon upon the rod.

Other garment hangers of the prior art also require at least two or three successive operations for installation of the garments and support the trousers from the enlarged thickness of the edges of the cuffs, thereby distorting the cuffs due to the weight of the trousers supported. Other trousers support presently used, require uncoupling of the outer end of a confining member and then subsequent coupling after the trouser legs and cuffs are slid into place.

It is an object of my present invention to provide a simple, economical and highly eflicient hanger structure, particularly adapted for cuffed or uncuffed trousers and equally applicable to support the folded upper edge of a skirt which is further adapted to be manufactured for trousers or skirt use only, or to be efliciently combined with a coat holder to constitute a complete wardrobe hanger.

Another important object is to provide hanger structure of the class described, which requires only minimum effort on the part of the user to properly install a pair of trousers or a skirt smoothly and in pressed relation upon thedevice, eliminating successive operations, but instantaneously making possible the installation or removal of the garment with the use of the two hands of the user.

A still further object is the provision of garment hangers of the class described, which will occupy minimal, shal- Patented Nov. 19, 1968 rice low, vertical space on a garment rack or costumer, and which will have no upturned or obstructing portions to interfere with other garment hangers or garments disposed immediately adjacent thereto in use.

More specifically, in connection with the hanger structure for trousers, skirts or the like, it is an object to provide a horizontal bar support for trousers in folded condition, or a folded upper end of a skirt, having a support member or structure joined with and aixed to one end thereof in overhanging relation with an elongated pressure rod or the like cooperating with the upper edge of said bar and pivoted adjacent the juncture of bar and support structure to swing in a plane which intersects the thickness of said hanger bar, in combination with a diverging level element affixed to said rod and urged downwardly, and where said lever disposed in spaced relation to the supporting structures lower edge enables one hand of the user to grip the lever with the supporting structure and squeeze upon the same to raise the rod into spaced relation with the hanger bar. This enables the folded skirt or trousers to be looped over the bar with the other hand into proper position to be smoothly secured for storage.

These and other objects and advantages of my invention will more readily appear from the following description made in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. l is a front elevation of an embodiment of my invention designed for trousers and skirt use only and showing the level element and contiguous support structure, gripped by one hand to elevate the pressure rod into receiving position;

FIG. 2 is a cross section taken along the line 2 2 of FIG. l, showing a few parts of my device in operated trouser-supporting position;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation of a full wardrobe hanger embodying my invention with the pressure rod being disposed as it is normally, when the device is not in operation; and

FIG. 4 is a front elevation of a somewhat simplified alternative form of the invention constituting a full wardrobe hanger.

Referring now to the form of the invention illustrated in FIGS. l and 2, my hanger includes an elongated, rigid hanger bar 5 which may be constructed of any suitable composition such as metal, plastic or the like, and which preferably has an upper edge 5a disposed horizontally and of a length greater than the width of a folded trouser leg, some distance below the knee. When used for womens skirts specifically, in many instances it will be desirable to increase the length because of the increased doubled skirt top in some instances. Hanger bar 5, adjacent one end thereof, is provided with a horizontal abutment shoulder 5b, for a purpose later to be clarified. As shown, one side of hanger bar 5 is contoured from the abutment 5b inwardly toward the central portion to progressively decrease the thickness to the central portion and to thereafter progressively increase the thickness thereof to a point or area 5c, where substantially an abutment or maximum thickness area is present. I

Joined with and aixed to the left end of hanger bar 5 as shown in FIG. l, is a supporting member or structure 6 which preferably is integrally formed and may be molded with hanger bar 5 if the material utilized is plastic or other composite material. The supporting member 6 overhangs and lies substantially in the same plane with Ihanger bar 5, extending at its outer en'd to a line substantially and transversely central of the hanger bar, and at its outer portion and upper end has affixed thereto a suitable suspension element such as a hook 7,

Cooperating with the hanger bar 5 and particularly the upper longitudinal portion thereof, is a substantially rigid pressure rod 8, preferably made of metal, and as shown at its left hand end, having a loop portion 8a which forms a pivot eye through which a pivot pin 9 is affixed, said pin being in the form of a rivet or nutted bolt and extending through, as shown, the juncture of the left hand end of hanger bar 5 with the supporting member 6. Said juncture portions of the two members are preferably recessed in V-shaped manner at the area 6a so that the thickness of the pressure rod 8 and the rivet or `other pivot anchoring device, will all be within the confines of the thickness of lthe hanger bar 5 and its support member 6. Preferably a thin washer 9a is interposed between the outside of the eye 8a of the pressure rod and the external swedged end of the rivet or other securing pivot means.

Extending inwardly from the loop portion or eye 8a at the left end of rod 8 is a relatively short lever arm 10 which is preferably integrally formed with rod 8 and which extends for several inches normally in substantially parallel relation with the underside of the support member 6 and in a diverging relationship to the pressure rod 8. The outer portion and extremity 10a of lever arm 10 is upturned at substantially right angles to the adjacent portion and is received in a recess socket 11 formed transversely through the appropriate part of the support member 6 and in communication with the lower edge thereof.

To urge lever arm 10 and consequently its rigidly connected pressure rod 8 downwardly, spring means, preferably in coiled form 12 is provided, surrounding the upturned end of lever 10 and interposed between the lower side of the support member 6 and an abutment such as the collar 13 disposed adjacent the bend of the upturned part 10a.

OPERATION In use, the garment to be |hung and stored, is first collapsed along the normal press lines of the garment. In the case of trousers, the extremities of the two leg portions are superimposed in the usual manner. Thereafter my garment hanger detached from the ultimate supporting bar or fixture, as shown in FIG. 1, is gripped with one hand, two or more of the fingers underlying the medial portion of the short lever 10. Then -pressure is applied in the grip and the lever 10 and its rigidly attached pressure rod S are swung upwardly to the dotted line position shown in FIG. 1 where the free end of the pressure rod is widely spaced from the right hand end of the hanger bar 5, affording full access of the folded trousers or other garment between the pressure rod and the upper horizontal edge 5a of the hanger bar.

Then, with the right or other hand, the extremities of the folded garment are draped over the upper horizontal edge 5a and immediately thereafter hand pressure is released upon lever 10 whereby the spring actuated pressure rod engages over the two collapsed and folded trouser legs securely anchoring the same upon the hanger bar 5. Thereafter the hanger structure may be suspended by the hook or other suspension 7 upon a horizontal rod in a clothes closet or a costumer.

It will be understood that for compactness lengthwise, the trouser legs, skirt or other garment, smoothly folded, may be draped medially over the hanger bar 5 and will be retained in the smooth position by pressure from pressure rod 5a when lever 10 is released.

The simplicity and economy of the structure should be apparent from the foregoing description and the appended drawings. Actually the structure comprises two main essential units, one the integral hanger bar 5 and combined supporting arm or structure 6, which may be reproduced in plastic molds very cheaply.

Secondly, the device employs integral pressure rod 8 with the loop or pivot formed from the rod material and the integrally constructed extending lever 10 with its upturned extremity portion 10a, plus the use of a small coil spring 12.

While in the embodiment of FIGS. l and 2 I show a contour shape on the outside longitudinal surface of the hanger bar 5, it will of course be understood that this hanger bar may be made of a fiat bar or even a thick rod structure, all within the concepts and principles of my invention. FIG. 2, a cross section taken on the line 2--2 of FIG. 1 shows the preferred contour previously described, including t-he sloping central portion on the outside longitudinal surface and the abutment 5b which is lhorizontally disposed for engagement with the inner portion of the swingable pressure rod 8.

In FIG. 3, I show an embodiment of my invention ingeniously combined with a special coat hanger, which in ensemble, constitutes a wardrobe-supporting device. The coat hanger section designated as an entirety by the letters C.H. is preferably but not necessarily integrally formed with the hanger bar 5 which as shown is identical in structure and function with the form of the invention previously described and shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The coat hanger section C.H. is for the most part of conventional structure, having downwardly sloping and diverging coat shoulder supporting arms 15 which merge outwardly from the upper central portion 15a. The left hand arm 15 shown in FIG. 3 is joined with (preferably integrally) the left hand end of the hanger bar 5 and the underside of such arm diverges from the hanger bar and has the same relation with the lever 10 of the pressure rod 8 and pivot loop 8a as in the rst form described herein. Likewise, the lever 10 is provided with the upturned terminal portion 10a which is received in a suitable socket 11 formed in the underside of the arm (left) 15 and an identical coil spring 12 is used, placed in abutment between tlxe underside of the arm 15 and an abutment element 13.

The right hand arm 1S of the coat hanger section C.H., at its outer and lower end terminates in spaced relation to the right hand portion of the hanger bar 5, giving free access for insertion of a pair of trousers or other garment in collapsed natural condition when the pressure rod 8 is raised -to the position shown in dotted lines.

A suspension hook or other suspension element is aixed to the upstanding central portion of the coat hanger section for connection with a rod, closet hook or costumer to support the entire device.

It should also be noted that as in the first form of the invention described the portion of the rigid body at the juncture of the left arm 15 of the coat hanger section with the left hand portion of hanger bar 5, is recessed to fully accommodate the thickness of pressure rod 8, its pivot loop 8a and the extension, preferably integral, lever 10, all within the confines of the overall structure.

Thus, it will be seen -that with the specific relation of the coat hanger section and the other simple working parts of my structure, a complete wardrobe hanger is provided which again is capable of use in attaching a pair of trousers, skirt or the like, to the hanger bar 5 by the manipulation of the lever 10 in gripping action with the left hand arm 15, to raise the pressure rod, and whereafter the collapsed trousers near the terminal ends, or skirt, may be readily applied over the hanger bar and draped thereon, and the lever released to smoothly attach that portion of Ithe garment to lower hanger. Thereafter of course, the coat or coats may be slipped over the arms 15 in conventional fashion.

An important functional feature of the invention, not previously mentioned, is that with my hanger structure, several pairs of trousers and/ or skirts may be smoothly hung and secured in superimposed relation upon a single hanger. Furthermore, in use in luggage or where the vertical space for storage is restricted, the garments (trousers and skirts) may be draped over the hanger bar at ytheir medial portions, with the full advantages of all of my improved structures and functions.

Another and somewhat simplified form of my invention adapted for Wardrobe use is illustrated in FIG. 4. Here a coat hanger section identified as an entirety by the letter C is employed generally similar to the coat hanger section of the form of FIG. 3. Section C is preferably of unitary construction having a pair of downwardly and outwardly diverging arms 16 and 17 which emanate from the top or shoulder portion 16a. The left arm 16 as shown in FIG. 4. is preferably integrally formed and rigidly connected with a trouser and skirt hanger bar 5 which is preferably of substantially identical construction to the bar 5 of the form of FIG. l, the cross sectional shape of which may be seen from inspection of FIG. 2, and with its sloping surface concaved slightly at its central portion for nicely accommodating the folded material of trouser legs, skirts and the like. This enables the elongated pressure rod 18 t0 overlap, as shown in FIG. 2.

In this last form of Ithe invention rod 18 is of spring metal construction and has a straight terminal portion 18a which is deeply embedded into a suitable bore drilled centrally into the left hand inner thickness of the bottom portion of arm 16. Rod 18 is bent and tensioned t0 be deflected downwardly in slightly overlapping relation with the uppermost edge 5a of support bar 5. Preferably integrally formed with rod 18 is a shorter lever section 19 which as shown, is bent at an acute angle to rod 18, being normally disposed almost parallel with the bottom portion ofthe arm 17 of the coat hanger. The rod material is then upwardly bent to form a guide finger where the extremity thereof 20a, may be bent to lie in the same plane with the portion to which it attaches thereby acting as a wider guide element which is seated in and slides in a slot 21 formed at the right hand portion of the shoulder supporting part 16a at the top of hanger C.

The arms 16 and 17 and integral support arm 5 are disposed substantially in a common vertical stratum a1- though arms 16 and 17 as in conventional coat hangers may be curved somewhat to conform better to the shoulder portions of a coat. The rod 18, lever arm 19 and guide finger 20 lie in a common plane which is disposed within the confines of the aforesaid stratum. The outer or unattached end of support bar 5 is spaced widely from the lowermost portion of the arm 17 to readily accommodate, when lever 19 is thrust upwardly, the garment or garments to be draped over the top edge 5a of the support arm. In this form again the lever 19 and arm 17 are gripped like a pistol and when pressure is applied the rod 18 and connected parts assume the dotted line position of FIG. 4.

When lever 19 is released the spring tension of the endembedded rod swings the rod downwardly, nicely clamping the draped garment or garments over the support arm 5.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that I have provided a novel hanger for trousers and/or skirts of very simple and economical structure and which will overcome the disadvantages and objections to prior art hangers of the types described herein and enabling the garments to be neatly and smoothly hung and secured with the elimination of several successive operations required to do so.

It will of course be understood that various changes may be made in the form, details, arrangement and proportions of the vanious parts without departing from the scope of my invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A hanger for folded garments such as trousers and skirts having in combination:

an overhanging arm structure for rigidly supporting one end of a horizontal garment bar,

said structure having an upper portion provided with an upstancling attachment element,

a substantially straight, stationary garment-attachment and supporting bar having an end affixed to a lower portion of said overhanging structure and having a substantially straight upper garment-supporting edge and a longitudinal side surface linclined and tapering toward said upper garment supporting edge,

an elongated, substantially straight garment-clamping bar pivotally attached at one end adjacent the aixed end of said garment-supporting bar and swingable on a transverse axis disposed somewhat below the upper edge of said garment-supporting bar and in a plane which intersects said longitudinal inclined surface with shear-like effect,

said garment-clamping bar having means associated therewith for urging fit throughout its length against said inclined longitudinal surface and into substantially parallel relation below the upper edge of said garment-supporting bar,

and an operating lever connected to said garmentclamping bar and operable from the fingers of a hand grasping said overhanging arm structure to upwardly swing and release said garment-clamping bar. H

2. The structure set forth in claim 1 further characterized by said operating lever being integrally formed with said garment-clamping bar and disposed normally in substantially parallel relation to a portion of said overhanging arm structure.

3. The structure set forth in preceding claim 1 wherein said garment-clamping bar is integrally constructed of metallic, resilient material disposed and tensioned to normally be maintained against said longitudinal inclined surface of said garment support bar substantially parallel and slightly below the upper edge of said last mentioned bar.

4. The structure set forth in preceding claim 3 wherein the end of said spring metal bar opposite from the attached end is acutely angled to constitute integrally said operating lever, said lever being disposed a short distance below and parallel to said arm structure.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,717,108 9/1955 Schaerer 223-91 2,846,128 8/1958 Fuller et al 223-91 2,478,297 8/ 1949 McGiirr 223-91 2,547,561 4/1951 Brooke 223-91 FOREIGN PATENTS 499,268 1/ 1954 Canada.

PATRICK D. LAWSON, Primary Examiner.

G. H. KRIZMANICH, Assistant Examiner. 

